(April 6, 2015) – The Boston Breakers announced today their roster for the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League season.

The roster includes 11 returning players from last year’s team, including 2014 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and USWNT keeper Alyssa Naeher, former Boston College All-American and Hanson, Mass. native Kristie Mewis, midfielder Katie Schoepfer, now entering her fifth season in Boston, fourth-year center backs Cat Whitehill and Julie King, and Canadian international Nkem Ezurike.

“The roster is always tricky with 20 people, so your last couple decisions are obviously people who can play in a few different spots,” Boston Breakers head coach Tom Durkin said. “I think, overall, we’re more balanced than we were last year. We have some really good, young talent. As long as we’re able to keep a level head, I think the team is going to be really competitive.”

Katie Schoepfer returns for her fifth season in Boston (Photo By Mike Gridley)

This year’s roster features seven new players, including four Brazilian internationals: Bia, Ketlen, Suzane Pires, and Rafinha. Defender Kassey Kallman and forward Morgan Marlborough joined the team this offseason, coming over from the 2014 NWSL champions FC Kansas City, and midfielder Amy Barczuk was acquired in an offseason trade with the Western New York Flash.

Two rookies to watch this season that the Breakers obtained in the 2015 NWSL College Draft are forward Stephanie McCaffrey (Boston College, Winchester, Mass.) and midfielder Stephanie Verdoia (Seattle University, Salt Lake City, Utah). The duo recently played for the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team at the Six Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain.

The Boston Breakers open the 2015 NWSL season Saturday, April 11, at 10 p.m. ET against Portland Thorns FC. The match takes place at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. The Breakers make their home debut at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium on the campus of Harvard University on Sunday, April 26, at 5 p.m. ET against the Houston Dash. Tickets can be purchased by calling 617-945-1704 or visiting www.breakerstickets.com.